Main Plaza’s summer schedule heats up with Cycle-In Cinema

Pee Wee Herman won’t be the only one riding a bike at the movies tonight.

Main Plaza will host the first of the SATX Pedal Power Cycle-In Cinema series this week, kicking off with “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” At the outdoor event, the movie screening is powered through bicycling.

Ashley Quinn, programs manager at Main Plaza Conservancy, said the idea was inspired through a festival completely powered through bicycling in San Fransisco and achieved through a partnership with SATX Pedal Power.

“This has never been done (in Texas),” she said. “Everybody’s pumped to be on the cutting edge in bringing in this kind of concept.”

To power the projection, a bicycle will be locked into a dock which is plugged in via an extension cord to a generator. One dock will be present at the event Thursday. Visitors are encouraged to ride their bike to the movie and can sign up for a shift to generate power.

Music starts at 5 p.m. featuring either DJ Gibb or DJ Lenyrd Spinyrd — they will alternate screenings.

Also on Main Plaza’s summer schedule is Bike Beat, 5-11 p.m. Aug. 3.

“I want people to understand cycling is about safety and knowing the etiquette,” said Quinn, who is a bicycle commuter herself. “We want to educate people about a life on two wheels.”

The six-hour event will host a variety of activities, including vendor giveaways, music headlined by local band Hacienda and bike safety demonstrations.

A slideshow will also take place which showcases fun photo submissions of people and their bikes. These will be the best pictures from a photo contest that runs until July 22. Winners will receive a Bike Beat T-shirt.

In addition to the bevy of bicycling events, Main Plaza is continuing its “Cool Down After Work” concert series. The summer program has been running for five years.

“(We want) people to (avoid the traffic) and come listen to local music for a few hours and then get out of here,” she said. “It’s quality, amazing entertainment.”